This
been a long-standing custom of tribal villagers to sacrifice animals
on certain special days. In fact, just a week before this assembly,
these tribals slaughtered and consumed 75 cows! In addition to their
meat-eating, they are heavy drinkers and frequently carry out thefts
and other violent crimes.
However, the frequent visits of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his sadhus
have transformed these tribal villagers into God-loving, peaceful people
who no longer consume meat, alcohol or any other addictive substances.
Thus, on 14-3-2001, over 8,000 tribal villagers from 146 villages gathered
in Khed Brahma on the occasion of Holi.
On behalf of all the tribal villagers, village leaders from each village
participated in a traditional Vedic ritual and vowed never to eat meat,
drink alcohol or indulge in addictions. Everyone present enthusiastically
greeted these commitments and pledged individually to fulfill them.
Presiding over the assembly were Pujya Doctor Swami; Nitirajsinh Solanki,
District Police Chief; K.J.Thakkar, District and Sessions Judge, Himatnagar
and other regional dignitaries.
Addressing the assembly, Dr. Swami said, "Before God, we are all
equal. We are all atma. Nobody is inferior. Nobody is superior. All
of you resolve that you want to become addiction-free, that you want
to live righteously, that you want to teach noble values to your children,
that you want to educate them and that you want to practice satsang
and attain salvation...."